How to Paint a Six-Panel Door in Two-Tone

Choosing the paint colors may be the hardest part of painting a two-tone, six-panel door.

An inexpensive way to transform an otherwise boring, one-color, six-panel door is to give it a new, two-tone paint job. Although the task is relatively easy, it is not as straightforward as you might think. To achieve a professional look you must follow a sequence of steps. The key to a uniform finish is to take your time, keep a wet edge to prevent lap marks and blend in the painted areas.

Preparation

1

Spread a drop cloth beneath the door to protect the floor. If the door is new, wipe it down with a clean damp cloth. If you have an older door that is already painted with any finish other than flat, sand the door with medium-grit sandpaper. Sanding helps the primer and paint adhere to the door. Pay special attention to the nooks and edges of the panels. Wipe the door down with a clean damp rag to remove any dust and allow it to dry.

2

Apply painter's tape around the door's hardware. This includes the hinges, handle, lock and kick plate.

3

Study the door to become familiar with the sections. It's important to know the sections when you start priming and painting. The four horizontal sections are the rails and the three vertical sections are the stiles. The panels are the decorative pieces held by the rails and stiles and are usually beveled around their sides.

Priming

1

Stir the can of primer with a stir stick. Pour a small amount into a paint bucket. Dip your paintbrush into the primer and tap it on the sides of the bucket to remove any excess.

2

Prime all the panels first, starting at the top and working your way toward the bottom of the door. Apply the primer to the recessed sides of each panel first and then to the flat, center part of the panels. Eliminate any brush strokes by lightly brushing over the newly primed areas.

3

Apply primer, vertically, to the middle stile between the panels first. Start at the top, and as you work your way toward the bottom, lightly brush the primer horizontally on each rail to blend in the brush strokes. Next, apply primer across the four horizontal rails from side to side, starting with the top rail. Finish by priming the two side stiles.

4

Prime the lock-side edge if the door swings out. If the door swings in, prime the hinge-side edge. If you plan to paint the other side of the door, prepare and prime it in a similar manner. Allow the primer to dry completely before painting.

Painting

1

Apply painter's tape around the beveled edges of each panel. Since you are using two colors of paint, one for the panels and one for the rest of the door, this will protect the surface of the rails and stiles.

2

Stir the can of paint you have chosen for the panels and pour a small amount into a paint bucket. Paint all the panels, starting at the top of the door. Follow the same technique you used when you applied primer to the panels. Allow the panels to dry 24 hours and then apply a second coat. Carefully remove the tape, then allow the paint to dry 48 hours.

3

Apply tape around the beveled edges of each panel. This time apply the tape to the inside edges of each panel to protect the newly painted areas.

4

Stir the can of paint you have chosen for the rails and stiles. Apply the paint to the stiles and rails following the technique you used when you applied the primer. Allow the paint to dry 24 hours and then apply a second coat. Carefully remove the tape from the panels and from the door's hardware. Allow the paint to dry 48 hours.

Things You Will Need

Drop cloth

Clean rags

All-purpose cleaner (optional)

Painter's tape

Medium-grit sandpaper

Primer

Stir sticks

Paint tray

Quality, 2-inch paintbrushes

Paint

Paint buckets

Tip

Drying times may vary depending on the air temperature and humidity level.

Pulling the tape while the paint is still wet helps keep your lines sharp and prevents jagged edges. Be sure to not let the tape touch the door -- or anything else you don't want to get paint on -- as you are removing it.